International Youth Day 2019: Young People are the Future

International Youth Day 2019: Young People are the Future

A ‘young person’ is anyone between the age of 15 to 24. This age bracket is crucial, as it is here where education is embraced. It’s where entrepreneurs, poets, scientists are born. Young people are big dreamers and have the full ability to create change. When we give young people a platform to act and have their voices heard, then we can empower them to make a difference in the lives of others along the way. When we help to shape volunteers’ global perspectives, we prepare young people to succeed in a world that is increasingly globalized and independent.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, were designed to reduce inequalities around the world. The 17 goals were created with three major ambitions in mind: to end extreme poverty, to fight inequality and injustice, and to fix climate change by 2030. The UN Secretary-General’s report called young people “torch bearers” of the SDGs because they have a major role in making change happen. They are critical thinkers, innovative and open to change and are already stepping up to make the sustainable development goals a tangible reality.

Raleigh Nepal volunteers are doing this every day. They are holding awareness sessions in rural villages to raise awareness of challenges such as climate change. They are supporting communities in development. And they are empowering other young people to be agents of change across the country. Young people on Raleigh are taking the lead and represent the true meaning of active global citizenship.

Young people are often criticized for being lazy and apathetic by older generations. But this could not be further from the truth. Every day young people demonstrate their energy and passion for change. It’s time that we stop underestimating them. It’s time that we see the value of young people as the future of our world. Let’s all reach out for something bigger and better, let’s reach out for change, let’s embrace the power of young people in all its potential and glory. Because when we look into the future, we have a lot to be hopeful for. Challenge yourself to change the world – challenge the world to change you.

Apply now to our volunteering programs.

Text and Images by Raleigh Nepal Summer Cycle 2019 volunteers